A new, multimillion-pound road around Walsall town centre has cut congestion by 31% and invigorated the local economy, the council says.
More than one mile of new ring road and at least a dozen junctions became operational earlier this year.
Now a council study shows peak journey times have been reduced by an average of 96 seconds in the morning on a key stretch, and 52 minutes in the evening. Cllr Tom Ansell, Walsall council cabinet member for transport, said: ‘This is proof positive of what we have long-been saying about the ring road. It has always been a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.’
Cllr Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council deputy leader, said the road was a major shot in the arm for the prosperity of the town.
‘We said the ring road would help attract investment and create jobs. And that’s now happening. Millions of pounds have been invested on projects that have already started to take shape which might never have seen the light of day if not for the ring road.’
He cited projects including the Walsall College building, a major Tesco development, and a new office project. ‘It is important to stress that it’s a value-for-money project,’ Cllr Andrew added.
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